This course discusses the nature and implications of stress, stress management, and self-care within information and referral (I&R).

The objectives of this course are:

• Discuss what the Inform USA Standards say about wellness and self-care
• Explore sources of stress for the I&R profession.
• Review the importance of agency wellness programs and their impact on staff well-being.
• Discuss self-care techniques and how it can lead to improved performance.

This course explores the concepts of cultural awareness and sensitivity, diversity awareness and intersectionality, and serving people from different backgrounds with respect and empathy. 

I&R agencies aim to serve everyone and aim to serve everyone equally. Some people face ongoing systemic barriers to accessing services that relate to an ethnic/racial/religious/cultural background which creates additional vulnerability. They may sometimes require more help because of that vulnerability. It is essential to act with positive respect toward people from all backgrounds and circumstances. Nothing less is acceptable.

Other Courses:

• Service Delivery: LGBTQ+ Clients
• Service Delivery: Serving People With Disabilities
• Service Delivery: Empowerment and Advocacy in Information and Referral

FREE Content:

• The AIRS DEI Council: A Journey Through How We See Ourselves and Others
• AIRS DEI Symposium "Check Your Blind Spot!"
• AIRS Webinar - Sometimes Tricky and Potentially Awkward Situations - Better Understanding of and Service for the LGBTQ+ Community
• The “Cultural Awareness Tool”- A DEI Conversation
• AIRS Webinar -Immigration Issues 101
• Keynote Speaker Sonya Ware - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion At the Personal And Organizational Level
• AIRS Webinar - The Legacy of Racism in American Memory
• AIRS Webinar - The Origins and Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act

I&R organizations need to be prepared to play an active role in disaster response. This course introduces the stages of a disaster and outlines the role an I&R may play in each stage. It also explores government and nonprofit organizations that typically respond to and are active in disasters and what resources they typically provide. This course also outlines steps that should be taken to prepare the organization, the technology (including the database), and the individual team members to respond during a stressful and ever changing situation.

This course will help you understand the Ethical Principles of a Community Resource Specialist and the values that Community Resource Specialists should display in information and referral (I&R).

The objectives of this course are:

• Discuss what the Inform USA Standards say about how Comunity Resource Specialists perform their work.
• Review the Ethical Principles for Community Resource Specialists
• Review the values needed by Community Resource Specialists
• Discuss why establishing professional boundaries is important in information and referral

NOTE: This course was recently revised, and the portions about self-care and wellness were moved to a separate course.